* '''flour to grits ratio''' : the more flour the higher the efficiency but also the chance for a slow lauter or stuck sparge

* '''flour to grits ratio''' : the more flour the higher the efficiency but also the chance for a slow lauter or stuck sparge

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* average size of the husk pieces : the larger the husk pieces, the better they will be able to suspend the grain bed during lautering which helps with the run-off speed and prevents stuck sparges

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* '''average size of the husk pieces''' : the larger the husk pieces, the better they will be able to suspend the grain bed during lautering which helps with the run-off speed and prevents stuck sparges

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* how many really small husk shreds have been produced : small husk shreds can inhibit the run-off like flour and can be a significant contributor to astringent off-flavors.

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* '''small husk shreds''' : small husk shreds can inhibit the run-off like flour and can be a significant contributor to astringent off-flavors.

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* are there kernels that have not or poorly been crushed :

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* '''not or poorly crushed kernels''' : If a kernel has not or only slightly been crushed, the mash may not be able to convert the starches and/or extract the sugars. This will lead to a lowered brewhouse efficiency.

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* when endosperm remains in a crushed kernel, does it easily come out when the kernel is picked up

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* '''when endosperm remains in a crushed kernel, does it easily come out when the kernel is picked up?''' : There is no problem with pieces of endosperm remaining in connection with the husks. As long as they come off easily or can easily be reached by the mash water.

At a much tighter setting (19 mil / 0.48 mm), the same mill will produce considerably more flour and shredded husks. While the efficiency is significantly increased, the lauter may not run as easily and may even get stuck if the allowed run-off speed is to great. As long as the mash and lauter pH are well below 5.8, no significant tanning extraction should be expected even though more of the husks have been shredded. The increased brewhouse efficiency makes this the crush of choice for many brewers.

At a much tighter setting (19 mil / 0.48 mm), the same mill will produce considerably more flour and shredded husks. While the efficiency is significantly increased, the lauter may not run as easily and may even get stuck if the allowed run-off speed is to great. As long as the mash and lauter pH are well below 5.8, no significant tanning extraction should be expected even though more of the husks have been shredded. The increased brewhouse efficiency makes this the crush of choice for many brewers.

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== 2 roller mill conditioned ==

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== examples of a poor crush ==

Revision as of 02:07, 26 December 2007

When brewing all grain, the quality of the crush has a major impact on the brew house efficiency as well as the lautering process. In extreme cases, a poor crush can also lead to astringent off flavors.

The ideal crush for malt exposes all the endosperm as flour and grits and leaves the husks intact. But in practice this is difficult to achieve. In order to expose as much of the endosperm as possible, the malt has to be crushed very tightly which leaves most of the husk material shredded. This can lead to stuck sparges astringent off-flavors. Conversely, when the malt is milled loosely the husks are preserved better but a considerable amount of the endosperm remains unexposed which will result in a loss off efficiency. Because of this the brewer needs to find a good compromise for setting the grain mill spacing.

The following pictures are intended to guide the brewer in evaluating the crushed grain. Here is what the brewer should look for when evaluating the crush:

flour to grits ratio : the more flour the higher the efficiency but also the chance for a slow lauter or stuck sparge

average size of the husk pieces : the larger the husk pieces, the better they will be able to suspend the grain bed during lautering which helps with the run-off speed and prevents stuck sparges

small husk shreds : small husk shreds can inhibit the run-off like flour and can be a significant contributor to astringent off-flavors.

not or poorly crushed kernels : If a kernel has not or only slightly been crushed, the mash may not be able to convert the starches and/or extract the sugars. This will lead to a lowered brewhouse efficiency.

when endosperm remains in a crushed kernel, does it easily come out when the kernel is picked up? : There is no problem with pieces of endosperm remaining in connection with the husks. As long as they come off easily or can easily be reached by the mash water.

2 roller mill dry

This crush has been produced with a 2 roller mill (JSP Maltmill) at its factory setting of 36 mil / 0.92 mm. At this setting, which is fairly loose, no substantial husk shredding occurs while the endosperm is mostly ground into grits. Some of the endosperm is left behind in the husks. The low percentage of flour and well preserved husks will make for easy lautering. But even with well modified malts, the brewhouse efficiency will be average.

At a much tighter setting (19 mil / 0.48 mm), the same mill will produce considerably more flour and shredded husks. While the efficiency is significantly increased, the lauter may not run as easily and may even get stuck if the allowed run-off speed is to great. As long as the mash and lauter pH are well below 5.8, no significant tanning extraction should be expected even though more of the husks have been shredded. The increased brewhouse efficiency makes this the crush of choice for many brewers.